The buildings were opened as a trial last summer. Organised tours of both Houses were offered, but the number of tourists was below the "most pessimistic" targets, says the committee's report. They spent less than the £5 a head expected.

The top-selling item was a 10p postcard, of which 5,565 were sold. Spending averaged £1.17 and 20 per cent bought nothing. The operating deficit was £209,611, of which the Commons "share" was £125,767. Marion Roe, Tory chairman of the committee, hoped another trial opening would go ahead next summer, with tickets remaining at £3.50. MPs will debate the committee's report on Monday.

One big problem was identical to the Dome's - tickets had to be bought at least five days ahead with a Ticketmaster credit card or on the internet. In mid-August the Speaker insisted on a ticket shop and it sold 4,200 tickets.